Servo power actuator



1951 E. A. ROCKWELL 2,564,281

SERVO POWER ACTUATOR Filed May 30, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l fnvenl of" k cZwarcZ a oc'wezz 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Edward G. oc/z uel'z Aug. 14, 1951 r E. A. ROCKWELL SERVO POWER ACTUATOR Filed May 30, 1945 Patented Aug. 14, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SERVO POWER ACTUATOR Edward A. Rockwell, Cleveland, Ohio Application May 30, 1945, Serial No. 596,768

20 Claims.

This invention relates to servo actuators for applying power to any desired device, as for instance by converting power in a rotating shaft to linear power.

It is an object of my invention to provide an improved actuator arrangement eiiective in response to the delivery of a relatively low range of input control fluid pressures to develop a range of forces from a rotating power shaft, the value of which range of forces is relatively large as compared to the range of forces required to generate said control fluid pressures.

It is a more particular object to provide, in an arrangement of the above character including cooperating worm elements for converting the power of a rotating shaft to linear power movement and a friction control clutch for efiecting the operation of said worm elements, means hav ing a plurality of control pressure-fluid responsive srfaces of selected efl'ective areas, a first one of said surfaces transmitting a first relatively low range of power directed to the output of said actuator and the other surface transmitting a second correspondingly low range of forces to said control friction clutch and thence through said control clutch to said actuator output, said control clutch being effective to cause the operationof said worm elements to develop a third relatively high range of component forces and deliver the same to said actuator output jointly with said first and second ranges of forces. A further object is to provide an inboard brake which is fully enclosed and which may have an enclosure which can support the wheel controlled by the brake and which may also be coupled with an outboard brake for the wheel. I

Another object is to provide means for effectively dissipating the large amount of heat that may be produced in controlling the speed of the wheels having an enclosing casing for the braking means and clutch for operating the same. This is accomplished byv using preferably cottonfaced friction surfaces submerged in oil.

The above and other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a broken away schematic layout view partially in vertical section, illustrating an embodiment of my invention as applied to the actuation of a clutch; and

Fig. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1, showing the invention in perspective as applied to an air craft wheel brake.

Referring first to Fig. l, the servo power actuator I0 is illustrated in a form and arrangement suitable for operating a standard friction clutch II which may be either of the automotive or of other industrial type. In the case of an automotive clutch for an automobile, an input power shaft i2 is driven by an internal combustion engine (not shown) while a shaft l3 driven thereby is connected with the ground engaging wheels through the usual transmission (not shown).

The servo power actuator to comprises generally a worm unit it effective to convert power from the rotatable shaft E3 to a linear power thrust and deliver this power to an actuator output thrust member S6, in turn adapted in the present modification to operate a plurality of clutch releasing levers Ha, the clutch being normally moved to engaged position by springs lib arranged in the usual manner on a clutch cover plate lie on which the levers ila are pivotally supported, only one of said springs l lb being shown, for simplicity. A control friction clutch unit H is provided to control the energization of the worm unit It and said clutch unit i1 is also effective to transmit a second linear thrust force to the actuator output thrust member 16, so as to move the levers Ha against the force of the spring D to release the friction clutch II, this second thrust force being directly proportional to the force which is applied to the control clutch unit I! for engaging the same. More specifically, a back plate Ha rests against the levers Ila and is keyed to the inside of a tubular sleeve ill) by splines ilc allowing for the axial reciprocation of the back plate l'la but compelling the rotation of the back plate "a with the rotation of the clutch housing lie to which the sleeve no is fastened, as by welding. The back plate I'm being integral with the output thrust member IS, the operating force applied to the control clutch i1 is consequently transmitted to the actuator output member IS.

A plurality of sets of alternating control friction clutch plates lld, He are, respectively, keyed to the sleeve "b and to a worm member Ila. Furthermore, a control pressure plate I1 is provided with a pressure fluid responsive operating motive piston I'Ig, around the worm member Ila, to apply engaging pressure to the friction discs lld, l'le. back plate Ila and thence to the actuator output thrust member IS. A telescoping stationary tubular member "h is externally splined for cooperation with complementary internal splines on an axial extension. Iii secured to the pressure plate I1! by screws I11. The tubular member "It also has an air bleeder screw IIk.

The'worm unit Il comprises an example of a mechanical servo mechanism as it include two relatively movable members. that is to say the aforementioned internally threaded tubular worm element Ila cooperating with a complementary externally threaded tubular worm element Ilb in turn carried in splined or keyed relation to a stationary supporting tubular housing member Ilc around the shaft I3, which is free to turn therein. A sealing ring Illa is provided inside the tubular housing member IIh. The tubular worm element Ila is formed with a piston-like terminal portion Ild carrying thereon an anti-friction thrust ball bearing Ile engageable with the actuator thrust output member I6. By unwinding, a clock-like spring Ilf, connected by its inner end to the worm element Ilb and by its outer end to the worm element Ila, returns the worm element Ila to its initial position from the extended position thereof. Also, the worm element Ila has a plurality of transverse passageways Ilg.

Control pressure fluid, as for instance under manual pressure, is admitted through a port Iflb to the tubular member IL and acts on the effective piston area AI of the worm element Ila, and in addition this control pressure fluid acts on effective piston area A2 of the clutch control fluid responsive piston Hg.

The control pressure fluid may be generated by a manually operated master cylinder unit I9 of the usual type, having a foot pedal I90. and a piston I9b.

In the operation of my invention in Fig. 1, with the shaft I2 being rotated by the automobile engine, the sleeve IIb will rotate the control back plate Ma and the friction discs He. The control discs I'Id, located adjacent the discs I'Ie, remain stationary. Subsequent operation of the pedal I9a and the master cylinder I9b will deliver the control pressure fluid through the port lllb into contact with the eifective piston areas AI and A2. The deliver of pressure fluid to the area AI produces axial movement of the worm elements Ila and Ilb without producing relative turning movement therebetween, thus bringing the thrust bearing Ile into engagement with the rear of the actuator thrust output member I6. This is effective to deliver initially a relatively low range of forces to the thrust output member I6, independently of any action of the worm threads on the elements Ila. and Ilb, by reason of the splined relation between the worm element Ill) and the fixed tubular support Ilc. Simultaneously the pressure fluid acts on the effective piston area A2 of the piston IIg, thus causing engagement of the friction discs Ha, Ha between the pressure plate I1 and the back plate IIa. This has the following resultsa delivery of a second force directly to the actuator thrust output member I6 through the axially slidable control back plate I'Ia independently of the anti-friction bearing Ile, and, finally, this turns the worm element Ila relative to the worm element Ilb, causing a. separating movement therebetween to produce the said secondary force. The

I right hand terminal portion of the worm element Ilb is driven into engagement with the face of the tubular support Ilc and further rotation of the worm element Ila by the clutch discs IId, IIe results in applying a third component of linear force to the actuator thrust output member I6 due to the action of the worm elements Ila, Ilb. This third component of linear force will have a range of values proportional to but larger than the range of values of the forces applied to control pedal I9a. In other words, the range of forces generating the pressure in the control pressure fluid introduced through the port Illb will always be proportional to but considerably smaller in value than the range of the forces making up this third component of linear forces generated or developed by the worm elements from the rotating shaft I2.

It will be noted that the power delivered to the actuator thrust output member I5 has two separate paths. The first path is through the control clutch including the back plate I111. The second path is through the worm member Ila. 0f considerable importance is the further fact that the transmission of power through the second path is completely dependent upon the continued transmission of power through the first independent path, including dependence upon the follow through" of pressure fluid action on the effective area A2. Any momentary relaxation of control pressure fluid delivered to the efiective area AZ immediately has the effect of releasing the clutch discs IId, He, and in view of the location of the anti-thrust bearing Ile all turning torque on worm element Ila is lost. Relaxation of control pressure fluid action not only releases the friction discs IIe, Ild but in addition eliminates the above referred to first and second ranges of forces transmitted to the actuator output member I6 through the back plate IIa and through the piston element Ila by control pressure fluid action on areas Al, A2. This arrangement insures against any tendency on the part of the worm elements Ila. and 14b to continue their operation following relaxation of the control pressure, which represents the major weakness in the previously available worm-type servo mechanisms.

The "follow-up" on the effective areas Al, A2 and the reaction therefrom gives the operator a sensitive feel as to the operating position of the actuator output thrust member I6 and hence of the clutch II operated thereby, This will be equally true of any other device that the present actuator arrangement may be employed to operate.

Turning now to Fig. 2, I have illustrated therein an application of the present invention to the operation of an aircraft wheel brake unit. A multiple oil-submerged woven cotton or other fabric faced" brake friction plate assembly III is enclosed within the housing which contains oil for lubricating and cooling. this brake assembly corresponding to and replacing the clutch II of Fig. l. A slightly modified worm unit IIl cooperating with a worm I50 acts to convert the rotary movement of a wheel supporting shaft I I2 to linear thrust and transmit the same to an annular actuator output member H6 in a manner similar to the cooperation between the worm unit Il and the output member I6 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. An oil-submerged woven cotton or other fabric faced friction control clutch plate unit II'I splined on the thrust member I50a of a slightly different construction performs the same function as the friction discs I'Ie, I'Id of the previous embodiment. Telescoping thrust mem-' bers Illa, IIIg, having effective pressure fluid responsive areas AII, AI2, likewise correspond to elements Ila and Hg, having effective pressure responsive areas AI, A2. A coil compression spring lIIb urges the brake assembly III in the off direction. An inlet connection IIlb receives control pressure fluid from the pilot actuated brake pedal (not shown) in very much the same manner as described in the above embodiment. This control pressure fluid acts on the effective areas AII and A--I2 to deliver an linear thrust through the thrust member I5lla, splined to the worm I50, to the brake assembly III. This control pressure fluid similarly acts on the effective area A--I2 of the second thrust member II'lg which in turn acts through the clutch plate unit I" to transmit a second linear force to the actuator output member II 6 and thence to the brake assembly III, thus providing a second path of actuating power flow to the brakes. A third range of linear power forces is generated by the action of the worm gear unit I which is energized so as to move the worm I50 relatively to the worm unit Ill by the control clutch III being brought into action by the movement of the second thrust member II'Ig, which third range of forces is transmitted to the output member H6 and thence to the brake assembly III.

In this second embodiment, a shaft II2, having splines II2a with split rings H212 and H20 for positioning roller bearings 2d and II2e, is the supporting shaft for a pair of aircraft wheels I5I a, I5Ib, the rotation of which, by contact with the ground, furnishing the power input to the shaft I I2 which is converted by the worm unit Ill into brake applying power. The complete unit is supported on a strut I52 of the usual kind, arranged to be raised and lowered at will, and is contained in a transversely extending cylindrical housing I53 provided with fins I53a for improving the heat removal characteristics.

A plurality of clearance adjusting stop screws I5la and I5lb are provided in each of the respective end portions of the housing I53. The adjusting stop screws I5lb contact with screws I5lc, carried by the element H19 and slidably carried in a sleeve I5ld supporting helical springs I5le. The sleeve I5ld is tightly fastened to a head I5lj by screws I5lg and the head I5lf is secured by the screws I5lh to the cylindrical housing I53. A screened air vent I5li passes through the head I5lf.

In view of the large amount of energy that is required to be dissipated in a brake installation of this type, I prefer that the brake assembly proper III take the form of a plurality of metal discs IIIc having their radial outer extremities splined to the fixed housing and carrying cotton facings radially inwardly of these splined portions.

The-control clutch 1, preferably, is in the form of the usual single disc automotive clutch having a splined hub and carrying suitable friction facings with a resilient support therebetween.

To facilitate the transmission of the axial thrust from the piston IIla to the actuator output member IIIi there is provided an internally and externally splined thrust member I5Ilu the externally splined portion of which cooperates with the splined hub of the control clutch III and the internally splined portion of which co- 1 operates with a complementarily splined portion of the outside worm element I50.

From the above it will be seen that the present actuator arrangement may be employed, for example, wherever it is desired to convert the power in a rotary shaft to a linear power force, and

particularly where it is important to control very closely the range of power so converted, as by means of a manually operated control element.

Earlier forms of my mechanical servo mechanlsms for-operating automobile brakes by means of reversible worms, are contained in the patents to Rockwell, No. 1,859,530, May 24, 1932, upon Vehicle Brake, and Rockwell et al., No. 1,896,377, February 7, 1933, upon Power Brake Unit.

In addition to the above brake arrangement III, I have provided anemergency or auxiliary brake of the expander tube type indicated generally at I56 and comprising a pair of the usual expander tubes I56a, IlBb cooperating with an internal drum I5Ic by means of intervening blocks I5Id, and which may be expanded in the usual way by receiving hydraulic liquid from a control pipe l56e on the strut I52, which also carries the inlet connection IIOb. The pipe I56e leads to a pilot actuated brake pedal (not shown) While I have disclosed by invention in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this is merely by way of example rather than in limitation thereof, and that the same is to be defined by the appended claims. For instance, by way of example, the device, the movement of which is to be controlled, refers to the shaft I3 or the wheel I5Ib or shaft II2, the element moved by a source of energy refers to the lever I la or disc brake I I I, the friction clutching mechanism refers to the friction clutch II or III, the first member refers to the tubular element Ila or Illa, the second member refers to Hg or H11], and the servo mechanism refers to Il or I, although other parts comparable thereto can be used instead.

I claim: v

1. In a linear servo actuator arrangement for converting the rotary motion of a driven shaft to linear motion including, a linear thrust output member, telescoping worm elements between said shaft and said actuator output member for converting rotary motion of said shaft to linear motion of said thrust output member through a first power path, a control friction disc clutch assembly for energizing said worm elements, said clutch control arrangement including an axially movable back plate, means connecting said back plate in force transmitting relation to said thrust output member by a second path so as to apply another force other than through said worm elements, means associated with said control clutch defining a first fluid pressure responsive area and manually operable fluid pressure generating means reactive to the transmitted force for delivering fluid pressure to said pressure responsive area and effecting the operation of said control clutch.

2. In a linear servo actuator arrangement for converting power from a rotary shaft to a linear thrust output member, telescoping worm elements between said shaft and said output member for converting rotary motion of said shaft to linear motion of said thrust output member defining a first power path, a control friction disc clutchassembly for energizing said worm elements, said assembly including an axially movable back plate, means connecting said back plate in linear force transmitting force to said thrust output member defining a second power path so as to apply another force other than through said worm elements, a pressure plate,

plate, means associated with one of said worm elements defining a second piston-like member responsive to fluid pressure for moving one of said worm elements axially into thrust relation with said output member and manually operable fluid pressure generating means reactive to the transmitted force for delivering fluid pressure to both of said piston-like members.

3. In an arrangement for applying power to a reciprocable thrust output member from a rotating power shaft, means including a plurality of telescoping complementary threaded worm elements, clutch means for selectively connecting one of said telescoping elements in driving relation to the power shaft to be driven from said power shaft, means preventing rotation of the other of said telescoping elements thereby effecting relative axial movement between said telescoping element so as to be transformed into relative motion around said axis when said clutch is engaged, said clutch including an axially adjustable back plate, means for connecting said back plate in thrust transmitting relation with said output member, fluid pressure responsive means for applying a first range of axial control forces to said threaded telescoping members and transmitting the same directly to said output member, additional fluid pressure responsive means for applying a separate range of control forces to said clutch effective to cause said other telescoping member to turn and be forced to move axially relative to the other one of said telescoping members to thus apply a second range of forces to said output member, said clutch back plate applying forces being so correlated with said first range of forces and said range of forces transmitted by said telescoping members that the same have a definite ratio to each other.

4. In a linear servo actuator arrangement for converting rotary motion of a power shaft to linear motion of an output thrust member including, an internally splined externally threaded worm element, a second internally threaded worm element embracing said first element, a control friction disc clutch unit for energizing said worm elements, said clutch unit including an axially movable back plate, means connecting said back plate in force transmitting relation to said thrust output member, a tubular piston-like member embracing said internally threaded worm, said piston-like member defining a piston-like pressure responsive surface effective to move said worm into power transmitting relation with said output member and said piston-like member being responsive to the same fluid pressure for operating said clutch to energize said worm elements, and means for generating control fluid pressure and delivering the same to said pressure responsive elements.

5. In combination, a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source .of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of said device by said element and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, and means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

6. In combination, a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement'of said device by said element and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, and means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force through said friction clutching mechanism to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a. third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

7. In combination, a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of said device by said element and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, and means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force to said element directly, not through said friction clutching mechanism,asecond member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

8. In combination, an automotive driving accessory the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of said accessory and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said accessory with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction cltuching mechanism to said element.

9. In combination, an automotive drivingaccessory the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of said accessory and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said accessory with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force through said friction clutching mechanism to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first mem ber, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

10. In combination, an automotive driving accessory the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism connected to aflect the movement of said accessory and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for con trolling the movement of said accessory with the aid of the frictionclutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force to said element directly, not through said friction clutching mechanism, a second member havin a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

11. In combination, a vehicle-supporting wheel the movement of which 'is to be controlled, an axle on which the wheel is fastened and a casin around said axle enclosing the following therein, an element moved by a source of energy by the movement of said wheel, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of ed to be carried by an airplane strut, an axle on said wheel and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said wheel with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member con apply another force to move said element, and a' mechanical servo mechanism energized by said element, controlled by said first mentioned means, and arranged to app y a third force by m ans of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

12. In combination, a vehicle-supporting wheel the movement of which is to be controlled, an axle on which the wheel is fastened and a casing around said axle enclosing the following therein, an element moved by a source of energy by the movement of said wheel, a friction clutching mechanism connected to aifect the movement of said wheel and adapted to he energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said wheel with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force through said friction clutching mechanism to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said element, controlled by said first mentioned means, and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

13. In combination, a vehicle-supporting wheel the movement of which is to be controlled, adapted to be carried by an airplane strut, an axle on which the wheel is fastened, an element moved by a sourse of energy from the movement of said wheel, and an enclosure around said axle completely enclosing the following, a friction clutching mechanism connected to affect the movement of said wheel and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said wheel with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a memwheel, and an enclosure around said axle completely enclosing the following, a friction clutching mechanism, connected to affect the movement of said wheel and adapted to be energized from said element, and means for controlling the movement of said wheel with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a member constructed to apply a force through said friction clutching mechanism to said element, a second member having a movement apart from the movement of the first member, constructed to apply another force to move said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said element, controlled by said first mentioned means, and arranged to apply a third force by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

15. In a compact servo actuator the combination of a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to aiiect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said ele ment, and hydraulic means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a pedal, 9. connection therefrom including a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said conduit, having a mechanical connection, .to ap- P y a manual force to said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy having another dlfierent hydraulically actuated member connected to said conduit and arranged to apply another force mechanically by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

16. In compact servo actuator the combination of a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to affect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, and hydraulic means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a pedal, a connection therefrom including a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said conduit, having a mechanical connection to apply a manual force to said element, and a mechanical servo mechanism, comprising reversible inclined surfaces, energized by said source of energy having another different hydraulically actuated member connected to said conduit and arranged to apply another force mechanically by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

17. In a compact servo actuator the combination of a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a friction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to affect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, and hydraulic means for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism comprising, a pedal, a connection therefrom including a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said conduit, having a mechanical connection to apply a manual force to said element reactive according to the force applied thereto, and a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy having another different hydraulically actuated member connected to said conduit and arranged to apply another force mechanically by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

18. In a servo actuator the combination of a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of eenrgy, a friction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to affect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, a hydraulic inlet for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism adapted to be connected to a pedal by a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said inlet, having a mechanical connection, to apply a manual force to said element, a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and another difierent hydraulically actuated member connected to said inlet and arranged to apply another force mechanically by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

19. In a servo actuator the combination of a device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source 01' energy, a friction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to aflect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, a hydraulic inlet for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism adapted to be connected to a pedal by a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said inlet, having a mechanical connection to apply a manual force to said element, a mechanical servo mechanism, comprising reversible inclined surfaces, energized by said 12 source 01' energy and another diflerent hydraulically actuated member connected to said inlet and arranged to apply another time mechanically by means of said Iriction clutching mechanism to said element.

20. In a servo actuator the combination of a. device the movement of which is to be controlled, an element moved by a source of energy, a triction clutching mechanism mechanically connected to the device to affect the movement of said device and adapted to be energized by the source of energy which moves said element, a hydraulic inlet for controlling the movement of said device with the aid of the friction clutching mechanism adapted to be connected to a. pedal by a hydraulic conduit, a member connected hydraulically to said inlet, having a mechanical connection to apply a manual force to said element reactive according to the force applied thereto, a mechanical servo mechanism energized by said source of energy and another different hydraulically actuated member connected to said inlet and arranged to apply another force mechanically by means of said friction clutching mechanism to said element.

EDWARD A. ROCKWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 848,380 Lake Mar. 26, 1907 1,896,377 Rockwell et a1. Feb. 7. 1933 1,989,179 Versluis Jan. 29, 1935 2,008,967 Rossman July 23, 1935 2,029,637 Rockwell Feb. 4, 1936 2,085,607 Rockwell June 29, 1937 2,140,731 Bendix Dec, 20, 1938 2,203,296 Fleischel June 4, 1940 

